Two days of songwriting, co-writing, and craft with J. Plank and guest Lindi Ortega — small group, all levels welcome.

Day One starts with the fundamentals: what makes a song a song, where ideas come from, and how to get something started. You'll write, share, and spend the afternoon in a deeper session with J. Plank and Lindi Ortega — foundations track or craft and story track, depending on where you're at.

Day Two brings the songs to life. Many if not all participants will get to work through their song with a live band (we'll do our best to...

Presented by Highway 19 Concerts and hosted by J. Plank, the summer festival edition of Ramble at the Merville Hall features two summer nights of music collaboration and community. Inspired by the late, great Levon Helm’s legendary Midnight Ramble in Woodstock, NY, each Ramble shines a spotlight on the songs of emerging and established regional talents and guest headliners, all backed by J. Plank and his stellar Vancouver Island house band.

Friday:
Lindi Ortega – guitar, vocals & songs
G. Lee Worden – guitars, keys, vocals & songs
J. Plank – musical director, host, guitars & vocals

Join biologist Sandra Milligan for an exploration of the Intertidal Zone. Low tide at Willow Point Reef typically uncovers over 80 species including dozens of algae, squishy Anemones and Sea Cucumbers, and beautifully decorated Lined Chitons, Shield Limpets and Top Snails. Departing from Jaycee Park, the most durable high-tide critters are seen first, like Little Brown Barnacles and Periwinkles, then mid-tide Mussels and iridescent Rainbow Leaf. As one moves through the “portal” to the low intertidal zone, other treasures are revealed like Red Rock Crabs, Green Urchins, and Gumboot Chitons. Colours abound: Purple Sea Stars, Red Urchins, Yellow Ascidians, and...

Get ready for a day of adventure, creativity, and hands-on fun at Kids Day at the Museum! Join us on Wednesday, July 15, from 11:00 am to 2:00 pm for this free family event packed with exciting activities both inside the Museum and throughout the grounds. Explore interactive activity stations, challenge your family to games, discover something new around every corner, and enjoy plenty of opportunities to play, create, and learn together. Whether you're making crafts, trying hands-on activities, or simply exploring the Museum in a new way, there's something for curious minds of all ages. Best of all, admission...

2026 JUNO Award winner, Mi’kmaq fiddler and singer Morgan Toney, brings together the fiery fiddling of Cape Breton Island and the old songs of the Mi’kmaq People with brilliance and heart. See Morgan and his trio live in Herons Dining Room on Thursday, July 16!

Tickets: $49 (show only)
Dinner Reservations Start at: 5:00 PM in Herons
Show-Only Seating: 7:00 PM
Performance Time: 7:30–9:30 PM

Make a night of it—enjoy dinner before settling in for an unforgettable evening of live music. Call 250-285-3322 to reserve your seats.

The Mi’kmaw were likely the first people that European explorer...

Join us at Robert Ostler Park on July 18th for a sit-in movie experience. We will be showing HOPPERS. Bring your chairs and blankets— we have snacks and popcorn. Concession proceeds will be donated to Children’s Health Foundation of Vancouver Island. Movie begins at DARK!